cousin love

For the past three weeks my sister in law, Alexis and adorable nephew, Owen came to visit us and although fitting five adults and two boys under the age of two and a baby got a little crazy at times, I wouldn't have it any other way! I loved our time we had together, whether we were laughing or crying, I am so thankful we were able to spend that time together and will cherish it for the rest of my life. The things I learned in the last couple of weeks will stick with me forever, the deeper sisterhood Alexis and I were able to make will be in my heart always and gosh, I will miss them dearly. Can't wait to squeeze them again soon! 

 

   

 

        

 

                          

                             

                       

 xoxo,
C

ATLANTA

Atlant Georgia. where all dreams come true. where you can fish every morning and evening, (for the husband) shop for hours, have good kids, go swimming, take naps & go to Ikea! Okay but seriously. This trip was all of that for us and of course we couldn't have had it without my girl, Laura! After everything going on this was a perfect little get away, a blessing for this mama and the refresh I was in such need of. Laura has a quote above her door and it will forever have an effect on me -

I don't know if she truly knows the blessing it was for her to open her door to my little family but I know that she has forever changed me. I hope to be open to others in my home as she was to us.

A daily must. A piece of Arizona home. In Georgia.

goodbyes suck. come visit us.

xoxo, 

C

Riley Richards

The past few days I have felt like I needed to start up on my blog. First thought. I don't even have time for a shower most days, let along time to write on a blog. Second thought. If i'm gonna write a blog it's like an open journal for everyone to read, judge and correct my spelling errors. Third thought. I need to start writing in my blog. So here I am, writing. 

 

Ever since my brother's death I haven't been able to write in my journal, I'm not sure why but every time I pick it up I just cant do it. So people who may be reading, this is for me. maybe a place for me to heal or another place to post pictures of my adorable boys or the way my husband puts it, an electronic scrapbook. Either way, I hope it is a place I can be real. 

 

 

My brother was so full of life and knowledge, he would start talking about his job or the atmosphere and within seconds, I was lost. I would nod my head and tell him how cool I thought it was, even though I had no idea what he was saying. 

When we were younger he use to tease me so much but was always there to talk big to the boy who was mean to me. Would let me hang out with this friends if I would wax their curbs so they could skate on them. And on my wedding day, he was so proud of me. It was a good day. 

My brother and I have always had a rough relationship but we always knew we loved each other and I always knew he wanted to be the best protective big brother, even when sometimes he couldn't.

Oh the many things I wish I could tell him now.

I have never experienced death before, especially to someone close to me but it is a weird concept to be living on an Earth that they no longer are. Where words like funeral and coffin and barrial site were like cuss words. my ears would cring whenever someone would say one. When most times you don't know how you are feeling or you think you're having a good day and it will hit you. It comes in waves. But everyone heals differently and if anything, I have to be strong for the living.

I know that we all have to find a new "normal" and as someone once said to me, you can choose to survive, or you can choose to live. So I choose to live. To immures myself in my family, in the things that make me happy and in the gospel.  

I have a different perspective on everything. I know this road will be long, and sometimes bumpy but I have to look forward and forgive, I have to enjoy the little things of life. Because I have a lot of wonderful things to enjoy, especially my boys. 

I miss him. I miss the thought of him. I miss the good times and hurt for the bad. I hurt for the fact of the things he wont experience anymore. I hurt for the unbearable pain my mom must feel. I hurt for his hurt. I hurt because I no longer have my brother here on this Earth. But I rejoice in the fact I will see him again & I will hug him once more.  

Until we meet again Brother, I love you.